Jon Boat Engine Size: Why Limit Power?

Jon boats are versatile watercraft that can be rowed, paddled, punted, or fitted with a motor. The maximum engine size for a jon boat depends on its size. A jon boat's flat bottom and squared-off bow design are not built for speed, and putting an oversized engine on a small boat can lead to instability and dangerous handling. Therefore, it is important to choose an engine that suits the boat's intended load and capacity.

Boat size and weight capacity

The weight capacity of a Jon boat is critical to the handling and performance of the vessel and its safe use on the water. It is also important for being compliant with state and Federal law.

The weight capacity of a Jon boat will depend on its length and size. A longer boat will be able to handle a heavier load. A boat that is lighter than the water it displaces will float.

The weight capacity of a Jon boat will also depend on its type. There are two main types of Jon boats: the flat-bottomed Jon boat and the modified-v hull/semi-v Jon boat.

The flat-bottomed Jon boat is ideal for calm, shallow waters. It is designed to ride the waves rather than cut through them. The modified-v hull Jon boat is more versatile and suitable for rough waters and challenging conditions due to its angular bottom, which provides better stability. However, it is not suitable for calm waters and cannot venture into shallow areas because of its deeper draft.

• 8 to 12-foot boats: Best for small area explorations. Weight capacity: 300-350 lbs (136-159 kg)
• 14 to 16-foot boats: Best for utility work or water sports. Weight capacity: 610-990 lbs (277-450 kg)
• 18-foot boats and above: Used for commercial or utility purposes. Weight capacity: 1,425-1,800 lbs (646.5-816.5 kg)

It is important to note that these numbers are averages and will vary depending on the vessel type, brand, size, and length. The weight capacity of a Jon boat can also be affected by the number of passengers and the distribution of weight. It is recommended to always stay within the weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Engine size and weight

The engine size and weight are important considerations when choosing a motor for a Jon boat. Jon boats are flat-bottomed boats ideal for fishing in rivers, lakes, and shallow waters. While they don't require the powerful engines typically seen on sport fishing boats, the size and weight of the motor will depend on the size and weight capacity of the boat.

For Jon boats between 8 and 16 feet in length, a motor with 8 to 25 horsepower will provide sufficient power for upstream navigation and achieving respectable speeds. Specifically, an 8-foot Jon boat typically requires a motor with 2.5 to 5 horsepower, while a 10-foot boat can handle 3 to 5 horsepower. A 12-foot boat can accommodate 5 to 7 horsepower, and a 14-foot boat can handle 15 to 20 horsepower. For 16-foot Jon boats, a 20 to 35 horsepower motor is recommended.

When it comes to 18-foot Jon boats, the horsepower range increases to 40 to 60 horsepower, and for 20-foot boats, 70 to 120 horsepower motors are recommended. It's worth noting that the weight of the boat, including passengers, gear, and fuel, will also impact the performance and speed of the boat.

In addition to engine size, weight distribution within the boat can significantly affect speed. Concentrating weight towards the center of the boat can improve speed by reducing drag and allowing the boat to plane more effectively.

It's also important to consider the type of motor, such as a trolling motor or an outboard motor. Trolling motors are smaller and more lightweight, making them suitable for Jon boats up to 14 feet in length. Outboard motors, on the other hand, are more powerful and are often preferred for larger boats or when faster speeds are desired.

Boat speed

Firstly, engine size plays a significant role in determining the speed of a Jon boat. The relationship between boat length and engine horsepower is crucial. Jon boat owners often seek the thrill of speed, but it's important to remember that excessive horsepower can compromise safety and handling. Manufacturers determine the maximum horsepower for each boat model, considering factors like length and width. This ensures control, effectiveness, and stability.

The speed potential of a Jon boat is closely tied to its length and the corresponding engine limitation. Here are some average speed estimates based on boat length:

• 8-foot Jon boats: 5+ mph, typically powered by small electric trolling motors.
• 10-foot Jon boats: 5-10 mph, usually equipped with 2.5-5 hp outboard engines.
• 12-foot Jon boats: 10-15 mph, commonly using 5-10 hp engines.
• 14-foot Jon boats: 20-25 mph, often fitted with 15-20 hp motors, with some reaching 25 hp.
• 16-foot Jon boats: 25-30 mph, powered by 30-35 hp engines on average, capable of carrying up to four people.
• 18-20-foot Jon boats: 35-45 mph, accommodating engines up to 60 hp, with some reaching 75-115 hp.

Secondly, weight distribution within the boat also impacts speed. Distributing weight towards the center of the boat improves speed by reducing drag and allowing the boat to plane effectively.

Lastly, hull design is a key consideration. Jon boats, with their flat bottoms and squared-off bows, are not designed for high speeds. Attempting to install a powerful engine on a small Jon boat could lead to instability and safety hazards.

In summary, achieving optimal speed in a Jon boat involves carefully selecting an engine within the manufacturer's recommended horsepower range, considering weight distribution for efficient planing, and recognizing the inherent design limitations of Jon boats when it comes to high-speed performance.

Trolling vs outboard motors

The maximum horsepower of a Jon boat depends on its size, with a range of 3-5hp for small 10-12 foot boats, and up to 60-75hp for longer 18-20 foot boats. The size of the motor is important for safety and practicality, as boats with excessive horsepower can be difficult to control.

Jon boats are versatile watercraft that can be rowed, paddled, punted, or fitted with a motor. When choosing a motor, you can opt for a trolling motor or an outboard motor. Here is a comparison between the two:

Trolling motors are small, lightweight, and ideal for quiet movement in shallow waters. They are perfect for hunting, birdwatching, or any activity that requires stealth and close proximity to animals or fish. Trolling motors typically offer 45 to 55 lbs of thrust, which is plenty of power for a Jon boat. They are also highly manoeuvrable, making them suitable for navigating around obstacles in the water. Additionally, they are usually electric, which means they are quieter than gas-powered motors and do not require a gas tank. This makes them a popular choice for anglers and hunters.

Outboard motors, on the other hand, provide more power and thrust, making them suitable for larger Jon boats that need more speed. They are often needed because trolling motors may not have enough thrust to get a Jon boat on plane, and may even cause it to start porpoising. Outboard motors are available in both gas and electric options. Gas motors are more popular as they offer more thrust, but electric motors are lighter, quieter, and do not require a gas tank.

In summary, the choice between a trolling and an outboard motor depends on the size of your Jon boat and your specific needs. If you have a small Jon boat and do not require high speeds, a trolling motor would be a suitable choice. However, if you have a larger boat and need more speed and power, an outboard motor would be a better option.

Thrust vs boat weight

Thrust is a standard measure of how powerful a trolling motor is. It is usually measured in pounds (lbs). The larger and heavier your boat, the more thrust you'll need to achieve satisfactory results on the water.

The rule of thumb is to have at least 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of fully loaded boat weight (including people and gear). For example, a 3000 lb boat, fully loaded, will require 60 lbs of thrust.

A heavier Jon boat will require a bigger horsepower (HP) engine to provide the thrust needed to propel the boat. Hunters who take lots of gear and dogs, for instance, tend to choose bigger engines. Likewise, those who use their Jon boats for boat camping will also opt for more power as they load their boats with passengers, gear, and supplies.

For Jon boats between 8 and 16 feet, 8-20 HP motors will offer more than enough power to push the boat upstream, achieve a respectable speed, and get the boat on plane. 18-foot and longer Jon boats can usually take a 20-25 HP outboard motor.

A 3 HP trolling motor will be enough to get a Jon boat moving upstream but it will not provide speed. A 40-50 HP motor will be required for a 16-foot Jon boat to cruise at 30 mph.

Frequently asked questions